Delta Naturalists Society

Twelve DNCDers met at Blackie Spit on warm, sunny morning – Roger, Mike, Lorna, Glen, Lidia, Ontario Brian, Bryan D, John, Lindly, Dottie, Bob and Terry.

The tide was very low so the shorebirds were far away. On the distant sandbars we saw Black-bellied Plovers and Western Sandpipers. A single Yellowlegs did come close to shore. Along the spit were Cowbirds and Savannah Sparrows.

On the other trails we saw Flickers, Swallows, Robins, White-crowned Sparrows, Towhees, Cedar Waxwings, Hummingbirds, Purple Martins, House Finches, Song Sparrows, Chickadees, American Goldfinches, Red-winged Blackbirds, Canada Geese, Herons, Crows and Eagles. Purple Martins were at their nest boxes. Common Yellowthroats teased us but would not show themselves.

Many wildflowers were blooming. Sand Wasps were busy. These solitary wasps with their large green eyes do not sting. The female digs a nest in sandy soil and stocks it with flies for the single larva, opening and closing the hole each time she visits. They play a major role in controlling fly populations. Small, orange Woodland Skipper Butterflies were quite plentiful as well. A few even sat still for some photos.

Although not many birds were seen, this was a very enjoyable morning.
Terry Carr

Photos are on Flickr.